Computelec Lays the Foundations for EPIC 1:1 school BYOD Program

With the help of a specialist technology partner and an innovative leasing solution, Melbourne’s East Preston Islamic College (EPIC) has been able to dramatically advance its use of technology as a teaching, learning and administrative tool.

Through the implementation of new HP network infrastructure and server hardware and Meru wireless technology, EPIC has transformed its basic legacy technology into a cutting edge education platform that includes a fully wireless campus, virtualised servers, 1:1 BYOD-capable platform, internet security and third party technical support.

Not Your Average SchoolEPIC is an English as a Second Language (ESL) school that caters to over 650 children from Prep to Year 12 which are drawn from over 20 different ethnic backgrounds and which are largely from the lower socio-economic demographic.

Until recently, EPIC struggled with outdated information technology that was inefficient to manage. With limited financial resources, IT staff spent most of their time fire-fighting technology incidents without having time or money to set strategic direction and invest in new technology that would enhance education outcomes for its staff and students.

Enter ComputelecAll that changed when it engaged with national education solutions specialist Computelec to recommend a pathway to improved technology performance, flexibility and security.

As a result, the school is now in possession of an affordable, easily-managed, fully redundant, technology platform that is delivering what the school needs in the present and providing a platform capable of handling the uncertainties of future education technology development.

EPIC is now able to far better serve the needs of its students by leveraging technology that prepares them to enter life as young adults in Australia beyond secondary education.

Server, Storage and Network UpgradesBy combining the latest servers, storage and network switching gear from HP with new wireless LAN technology from Meru, Computelec designed its solution to be trouble-free for the school’s IT and administrative team.

According to Nick Walters, Senior Account Manager at Computelec, the solution implemented at EPIC is based on the company’s years of experience servicing the vibrant education sector.

“School technology changed forever after the Federal Government introduced its Digital Education Revolution program which flooded the sector with new hardware and connected every school to high speed internet,” Walters said. “That funding has now dried up but the reliance on technology is greater than ever, with schools urgently trying to find affordable solutions that allow them to take full advantage of existing infrastructure and prepare for future requirements.

“We have been working with leading vendors such as HP, Meru, VMware and Microsoft to develop and customise cutting edge solutions that assist schools with the transition to 1:1 programs, BYOD or otherwise.

“Our solution for EPIC was largely based on HP hardware and Meru wireless technology all of which has been leased through HP Finance. With our managed services included, the school’s technology strategy has been packaged into a modest up-front investment and a single monthly payment that has flattened the cost of technology to a manageable and predictable level.”

Affordable Industry Standard SolutionAs a result, the school is now in possession of an affordable, industry standard technology solution. As well as being reliable, easily-managed and fully redundant, it is delivering cutting edge performance in the present and providing a platform capable of handling the uncertainties of future education technology direction.

Best of all, EPIC is now able to far better serve the needs of its students by leveraging technology that prepares them to enter life as young adults in Australia beyond secondary education.

ABOUT COMPUTELEC:Computelec is a Managed Services and technology solutions provider which specialises in the education sector. Its large number of customers includes public and private schools all over Australia who have benefitted from leveraging cutting edge infrastructure that is managed under best practice service delivery processes.

In addition, Computelec has been able to deliver valuable technical consulting that enables schools to continually improve their IT environment while making prudent investment that enables enhanced education outcomes and future development.

With its outstanding reputation for support and reliability in schools, Computelec is uniquely placed to provide complete IT solutions for education. When you employ Computelec to assist your school you know you are dealing with professionals. It very quickly becomes obvious that Computelec is focused and determined to provide the best outcome for your school. Plus, its solutions are always designed to achieve the most appropriate learning outcomes for students.